Shakira's hometown unveils huge bronze statue in her honour
That is one sexy statue! Shakira receives top honour from her community.
Colombian superstar Shakira has been honoured with a statue in her hometown, Barranquilla.
The bronze statue, which stands tall at 6.5 metres, was designed by the artist Yino Márques. He worked with local art students.
Yino reportedly used the dance moves Shakira does in her 'Hip Don't Lie' music video for inspiration.
The singer's family, including her parents William Mebarak Chadid and Nidia Ripoll Torrado, attended the ceremony. The town's mayor, Jaime Alberto Pumarejo, was also present for the unveiling.
"It makes me happy to share this with my parents and especially my mother on her birthday," Shakira wrote in Spanish on Instagram.
ALSO READ: Shakira now has 14 Guinness World Records
The statue includes a dedication to the 'Te Felicito' singer.
"A heart that composes, hips that do not lie, an unmatched talent, a voice that moves masses and bare feet that march for the good of childhood and humanity," it read.
Shakira was touched by the kind words.
"Oh and this dedication. This is too much for my little heart."
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Shakira is known as the 'Queen of Latin Music'. She successfully crossed over to the American mainstream in 2001 with her first English-language album, 'Laundry Service'.
The album, which has sold more than 13 million copies, produced hits such as 'Whenever, Wherever' and 'Underneath Your Clothes'.
Shakira's other hits include 'Beautiful Liar' with Beyoncé and 'Can't Remember to Forget You' with Rihanna.
She recorded 'Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)' for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. The song's music video has been watched nearly four billion times on YouTube.
Shakira has won three Grammy Awards and several Latin Grammy Awards.
Barranquilla's mayor hopes that young girls and women in the town will be inspired by Shakira's success whenever they see her statue.
ALSO READ: Shakira talks new album: 'Writing music is like going to the shrink'
Watch Shakira's famous 'Hips Don't Lie' music video with Wyclef Jean below.
Main image credit: Instagram/@shakira, YouTube/ 'Whenever, Wherever' music video
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